The efficacy of unoprostone isopropyl as an adjunct to topical β-blocker in patients with open angle glaucoma: A-6-month study

• Main Authors: Yupin Leelachaikul, Ataya Euswas
• Other Authors: Mahidol University
• Format: Article
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/16755

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of unoprostone isopropyl as an adjunctive treatment to topical β-blocker in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Study design: This was a prospective, open-label clinical study. Material and Method: A total of 44 eyes of 22 eligible patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was inadequately controlled by topical β-blocker were enrolled. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients with primary open angle glaucoma who either had IOP measurements ≥ 22 mmHg while on topical β-blocker monotherapy or had IOP measurements ≥ 18 mmHg while on dual therapy (topical β-blocker and a second drug of a different class which was to be discontinued prior to the study to allow washing out of its effects). Intervention: Baseline IOP, pupil size, blood pressure and pulse rate were initially measured; the patients were then examined at 2 nd, 4 th, 8 th, 12 th, 18 th and 24 th weeks of following commencement of topical unoprostone isopropyl therapy (given twice daily). Main outcome measures: IOP, pupil size, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured and were compared to baseline values. Results: In 44 eyes of 22 eligible patients, unoprostone isopropyl resulted in a statistically significant IOP reduction of 24.6% (p < 0.02). The mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 132.79 ± 22.11 mmHg (range 100-180 mmHg) at baseline to 125.77 ± 18.40 mmHg (range 80-160 mmHg) at 24 th week after unoprostone isopropyl administration. This reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.002) but was unlikely to have clinical importance. Both mean diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.344), pulse rate (p = 0.306), and pupil diameter (p = 0.107) were not significantly affected. Conclusion: Topical unoprostone isopropyl beneficially provides additive IOP lowering effect to topical β-blocker in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. No serious systemic side effects were found in the present study.